DKFTI 138

Sibel led Brivan to the reception room. Shanti busily prepared refreshments. The reception room still had its windows open, and the walls were stained with soot, like the scars of war. Yet, the sunlight filtered in warmly.

“The tea tastes good.”

Brivan took a sip of the herbal tea Shanti had served and looked satisfied.

“I apologize for the inconvenience. The castle is a bit chaotic right now…”

“No. I think this kind of honesty is part of your charm, Demon King.”

Brivan smiled kindly. The wrinkles around his eyes showed the marks of time, along with a certain resolve.

“I came here today to first offer my apologies.”

Brivan set down his teacup and bowed politely.

“The Holy Kingdom has been arrogant all along. Under the pretext of divine will, it has taken countless lives and oppressed them. This incident too… cannot be denied, a disaster brought on by our ignorance and greed.”

“…”

Sibel remained silent. It would be a stretch to deny it.

“Of course, not everything will change overnight. Human fears and prejudices do not easily disappear.”

Brivan’s voice was calm but powerful.

“As long as I am here, the Holy Kingdom will no longer repeat senseless slaughter. We will no longer ostracize and label people as enemies simply because they are demons.”

“Then…”

“Yes. I wish to seek a path of coexistence.”

Coexistence. The word sank heavily into Sibel’s heart.

“Of course, protecting human safety is my priority. But I don’t believe that should mean the destruction of the demon race. A relationship where we respect each other’s territories and, when necessary, cooperate. That’s the future I envision.”

Brivan stared intently at Sibel.

“Would you please help us?”

Sibel scratched the back of his head, seemingly troubled.

“What can I do? I’m just a Demon King.”

“Haha. Even that humility is to my liking.”

Brivan chuckled cheerfully.

“Changing the world isn’t about grandiose heroes. It’s about people like you, who are mindful of their surroundings and cherish even the smallest life, who come together to create change.”

Sibel suddenly thought of Aizen. He, who had sacrificed his own convictions and risked everything to protect himself as a demon. He too must have been one of the small sparks that changed the world.

“Nothing changes overnight, especially mindsets.”

Sibel fiddled with his teacup.

“But if we continue to build these friendly relationships, one by one, with each person… won’t good days come someday?”

Sibel felt Brivan was remarkable. Change is frightening, especially for those in high places. They fear that change might shake their positions. But Brivan didn’t seem to have such thoughts.

“This meeting today will be the beginning.”

The world was changing. No, perhaps something that had been wrong from the beginning was finally being put right.

“Please take care of me, Your Holiness.”

Sibel extended his hand. Brivan firmly took Sibel’s with his wrinkled one.

“I’m the one who is in your care, Demon King.”

Their handshake was firm. The breeze blowing through the window gently swayed the hems of their robes, as if blessing a new era.

“Do your best, old man—no, Your Holiness.”

Aizen’s voice was as blunt as usual, but the trust he held within was profound.

“You will surely make a better world.”

Brivan chuckled at Aizen’s playful encouragement. He let go of Sibel’s hand and looked at Aizen. Once the pride of the Holy Kingdom, he had now turned his back on it. Yet, in Brivan’s eyes, Aizen remained a sacred being.

“We have always strived to find peace of mind. Does your peace lie here?”

Aizen was reaching for the truth Brivan had taught and pursued. Let your body dwell where peace of mind resides.

“Wherever you are, whatever beliefs you hold dear, I will support you. I believe in the path you have chosen.”

It was a blessing from the Holy King, and a confession from the guardian who had played a small part in raising him. Aizen paused for a moment, then rubbed his nose in embarrassment.

“…You’re old and foolish.”

But a smile tugged at the corners of Aizen’s mouth. He gave Brivan a brief bow. There was no need for further comment.

The three drank the remaining tea, cheering each other on and chatting about trivial matters.

Brivan gave them a final nod and departed the Demon King’s castle. His back, his white robes fluttering, looked more imposing and solid than ever.

Sibel and Aizen stood side by side, watching the carriage depart.

“What a wonderful person.”

Sibel muttered.

The world was changing. Slowly but surely. Wrongdoings were being put right, and severed ties were being reconnected.

“Let’s go. The food’s getting cold.”

Aizen patted Sibel on the back. Sibel nodded and continued walking.

***

Outside the window, a late summer rain was falling. A damp breeze gently ruffled the terrace curtains, but the air inside the room was suffocatingly hot and humid.

“Ha, uh… Wait, wait…”

A groan escaped from Sibel’s lips. He grabbed the headboard and tried to back away, but the grip on his ankles dragged him back down.

“Where are you going?”

A voice growled softly. It was Aizen. Water droplets dripped from his hair, still damp as if he’d just washed, and soaked Sibel’s thighs.

“No, come on… let me breathe!”

“Just breathe through your nose. Who’s got your nose blocked?”

Aizen chuckled and climbed on top of Sibel. His strong thighs dug between his legs, squeezing them. The heavy weight and the sweltering heat sent shivers down Sibel’s spine.

“That’s not it… Why are you in such a hurry today?”

“You’re making me horny.”

“…Blaming others again.”

When Sibel pouted, Aizen’s eyes narrowed. Without giving him a chance to respond, he swallowed Sibel’s lips.

“Ugh…!”

A wet sound filled the room. It seemed to start softly, but soon his tongue swirled inside his mouth like a wild animal. He turned his head, changing the angle, and thrust deep into the kiss, causing Sibel’s mind to go blank.

Aizen’s hands moved without rest. A rough hand slid under his loose pajama top. As his calloused palm stroked his smooth side, Sibel’s body jumped.

“Huh, yes…”

His hand reached up without hesitation, cupping his breast. His fingers were relentless, rubbing and pinching his nipples.

“Ah, ugh! There, don’t…”

“So sensitive.”

The thin stream of saliva snapped as their lips parted. Aizen looked down at Sibel with heated eyes. His flushed cheeks, dilated pupils, and lips glistening with saliva. Everything about him fueled Aizen’s sadism and possessiveness.

“You’re beautiful.”

He whispered in Sibel’s ear, nibbling on his earlobe.

“Make me want to devour you.”

His voice was tender, but its content was murderous. Sibel instinctively flinched, but Aizen had no intention of letting him go.

With a pop, the buttons on Sibel’s pajamas were ripped off. His pale, naked body was revealed, and Aizen stared at him with a hungry gaze. He felt like a predator about to feast. Aizen ran his tongue over his soaking wet lips.

“Have you gained some weight? You taste so good.”

“…Someone keeps feeding me too well.”

Sibel grumbled and tried to cover his chest with his arms, but Aizen grabbed his wrists and pinned them above his head.

“Don’t cover them. They’re all mine.”

“Ah! Says who!?”

Aizen bent his head and kissed the hollow of Sibel’s collarbone. Smack, smack. His lips traced Sibel’s collarbone as if stamping a seal, then lingered on his chest. His hot tongue licked his nipple once, then filled his mouth with it and began sucking.

“Haa!”

Sibel’s back arched violently. A tingling sensation of pleasure shot up his spine and into his brain. Aizen, enjoying Sibel’s reaction, rolled his nipple with the tip of his tongue and lightly nibbled it with his teeth.

“Ah, ah! Aizen, nngh… too much…!”

“…Quit whining.”

He said it, but his touch softened slightly. Instead, his other hand slid down. He pulled down Sibel’s pants, revealing his erection, already dripping precum.